Spyware and Other Potentially Unwanted Technologies
Spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies exploit human behaviour and technological vulnerabilities, often to inflict harm for private gain. The end result of such destructive behaviour cannot help but erode consumer trust and confidence in the Internet as a medium for social and democratic participation and for the conduct of commerce. The Internet holds great promise for Canada's future. Spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies threaten that promise.
CIPPIC has a number of spyware-related projects:
Spyware FAQ
What, exactly, is spyware? Why is it a problem? Why does CIPPIC look at spyware and "other potentially unwanted technologies"? How do I get this junk off my computer? We address these and many other questions in our Spyware FAQs.
Anti-Spyware Coalition
Since April of 2005, CIPPIC has been an active member of the Anti-Spyware Coalition, a coalition of consumer interest advocates anti-spyware companies working together to address the problem of controlling spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies.
Recent and upcoming activities include:
- In August, the ASC released the first draft of its consensus document, Spyware Definitions and Supporting Documents.
- In late fall, the ASC will release the final draft of its consensus document, Spyware Definitions and Supporting Documents, and will release for public comment the first draft of its consensus document, "Objective Criteria".
- In February, 2006, the ASC will host a one-day event in Washington D.C.
- In May, 2006, the ASC will host a one-day event in Ottawa, Canada.
Spyware Snitchline
Help us get a handle on the scope of the scourge in Canada! CIPPIC is calling on Canadians to send us your spyware horror stories! Here's what we need:
- What is the name of the spyware program (if you know it)?
- What website infected you (again, if you know where you got it)?
- What does the spyware do to your computer?
- What does your anti-spyware software report about the spyware?
Send an email to cippic@uottawa.ca with "Stop Spyware" in the subject line, and your name, location and affiliation (if any) in the message. We won't disclose your personal information without your consent. We plan on using these stories to help us better inform the Canadian government on the scope of Canada's spyware, and in appropriate cases and with your permission, to file complaints with Canadian authorities.
Law Enforcement
CIPPIC actively tracks law enforcement actions against vendors and distributors of spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies in other jurisdictions, and is involved in domestic activity focusing on Canadian wrong-doers.
On NOvember 3, 2005, CIPPIC together with the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) asked the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Canadian Competition Bureau to investigate the business practices of Montreal-based software distributor Integrated Search Technologies and several of its business partners. The filing marks the first time that the Bureau has been asked to investigate a spyware company, and the first time that the FTC has been asked to investigate the practices of a Canadian spyware vendor.
- Joint CIPPIC/CDT Media Release
- CIPPIC's Application to the Competition Bureau and FTC
- CIPPIC's affidavit in support of its Application
- CDT's complaint to the FTC
Other important law enforcement initiatives that have taken place in the United States include the following:
- FTC action against Seismic
- FTC action against Odysseus Marketing
- New York Attorney-General action against Intermix Media, Inc.
This page last updated: June 2, 2007
Webpage URL: http://www.cippic.ca/index.php?page=spyware/